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Spooky Bat-Shaped Calzones

These playful bat-shaped calzones are made with chewy pizza dough filled with gooey mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and smoky ham or pepperoni. Baked until golden and crispy, their fun shape adds a whimsical touch to any dinner, especially around Halloween. The crispy edges contrast with the melty interior, making each bite both satisfying and festive.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package pizza dough store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce bright and slightly sweet
  • 1 cup ham or pepperoni sliced
  • 1 egg egg wash optional, for shine
  • few black olives or spinach for decoration to create eyes and details
  • leftover dough dough scraps for wings and ears

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin
  • Sharp knife or scissors
  • Fork
  • Damp cloth

Method
 

  1. Mix warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a bowl. Let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes, while you prepare your workspace.
  2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into 6 equal pieces.
  6. Roll each piece into a 15cm (6-inch) circle using a rolling pin, keeping the edges slightly thicker for sealing.
  7. Spread a spoonful of tomato sauce on half of each dough circle, then top with shredded mozzarella and slices of ham or pepperoni.
  8. Fold the dough over the fillings to form a semi-circle, then pinch or crimp the edges with a fork to seal tightly.
  9. Cut out bat wings and ears from leftover dough scraps with a sharp knife or scissors, then attach them to the calzones with a little water to resemble spooky bats.
  10. Optional: Brush the tops with beaten egg wash for a shiny finish. Place the calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy, filling your kitchen with the tempting aroma of baked bread and cheese.
  12. Let the calzones rest for 5 minutes, then decorate with black olives or spinach for eyes, and enjoy your playful, cheesy bat-shaped treats!

Notes

Ensure edges are sealed well to prevent filling leaks. Feel free to get creative with decorations for a fun Halloween touch!